Worcester City 2-1 Boston United

In a match ruined by strong winds at Aggborough, City led through Jamie Smith's early free-kick during a first half dominated by the hosts.

Dayle Southwell levelled five minutes after the break but Andre Brown restored City's advantage which they never looked like relinquishing until Ethan Ross' superb save to deny Scott Garner in stoppage time.

United boss Dennis Greene had opted to omit regular full-back Liam Marrs, with striker John Sands handed a full debut in attack.

The Pilgrims had struggled to get-to-grips with the conditions in Worcestershire and trailed at half-time following City's strong start.

Skipper Ellis Deeney laid an 11th minute free-kick into the path of SMITH, who cracked it into the top corner from 25 yards.

Henrich Ravas was forced to deny Daniel Nti, who was then unable to turn home the rebound while Nti's fierce drive later bounced to safety with Ashley Vincent lashing the rebound wide.

United were much better after the break and equalised in the 50th minute when SOUTHWELL started and finished the move, sweeping home from 20 yards, following Grant Roberts' neat return pass.

Ross subsequently clawed away Southwell's driven free-kick, before clutching Zak Mills' dipping volley.

City re-established their lead on 63 minutes when Crewe Alexandra loanee BROWN slid in at the near post to convert Nti's low cross.

Chances remained few and far between until Ross produced heroics to claw away Garner's stoppage time header.

Worcester (4-4-2): Ethan Ross; Sam Minihan, Tom Sharpe, Alex Gudger, Tyler Weir; Daniel Nti, Danny Jackman, Ellis Deeney, Jamie Smith (Tristian Dunkley 72); Ashley Vincent (Shaun Harrad 84), Andre Brown (Kieran Morris 90). Sub (not used): Connor Gater.

Boston (4-4-2): Henrich Ravas; Zak Mills, Scott Garner, Carl Piergianni, Dylan McEvoy (Alex Simmons 75); Ryan Robbins, Jordan Richards, Grant Roberts, Jordan Blinco (Kyle Dixon 62); Dayle Southwell, John Sands (Kaine Felix 62). Subs (not used): Liam Marrs, Cameron Johnson.

Referee: Simon Barrow.

Attendance: 307.